State Law Encourages Recruitment For More Therapists To Treat Sex Offenders Behind Bars

Audio: State Law Encourages Recruitment For More Therapists To Treat Sex Offenders

(Photo: CPR/Andrea Dukakis)

Many sex offenders who are now in prison will one day be released, but before that happens, the goal is to make sure they receive treatment while they're behind bars. But there's a problem: Colorado prisons have a shortage of therapists. A new state law takes effect Wednesday that will refocus Department of Corrections energy and funds toward recruiting more psychologists. Rick May, a psychologist who works with sex offenders, talked to Colorado Matters about working with prisoners and balancing their needs with public safety concerns.